Skoda Shows Off Updated Vision E Concept With Improved Styling


Compared to the first Vision E which premiered in Shanghai, this updated version looks a little more like something that could spawn a prototype sometime in the near future.


This Frankfurt-bound concept is Skoda's first-ever fully electric creation, one that is also capable of Level 3 autonomous driving, while traveling for up to 500 km (311 miles) in-between charges.


Powering it is are two electric motors, with a combined output of 306 PS (302 HP/225 kW), sending juice to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system. According to Skoda, the Vision E will max out at 180 km/h (112 mph).


There's nothing new though regarding its powertrain. The Frankfurt concept and the one from Shanghai are identical in that department, with differences only showing once you start to study the exterior. This updated version of the Vision E features a slightly redesigned front fascia with two triangular grilles masking the outer air inlets and a thin black bumper trim above the spoiler, as well as a brand new set of futuristic wheels.


"Over the last few years, with our Skoda design language, we have produced several sensational concept cars that point the way to the brand's future. The new Skoda Vision E is now presenting the next step towards a future-oriented design," said company design boss, Karl Neuhold.


Other design features such as the missing B-pillars, opposed-opening doors, narrow, triangular headlights, absent wing mirrors and muscular bonnet remain unchanged. The interior is also the same as before, with rotating individual seats and multiple large touchscreen displays for all of the concept's clever gizmos. Speaking of which, inside the Vision E you get gesture control, voice control, integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, LTE module, eye tracking technology and even a Driver Alert fatigue feature.


Since we're on the tech side of things, as a Level 3 autonomous vehicle, if the Vision E was a production car today, it could accelerate and brake autonomously, find available parking spaces by itself, memorize the driver's preferred parking locations and even communicate with other road users, vehicles and infrastructure.


"One of the four pillars of our 2025 Strategy is the electrification of our fleet. The Skoda Superb with plug-in hybrid drive will be launched as early as 2019. Then in 2020 this will be followed by our first purely electric model, into which we are offering a very concrete insight in Frankfurt with the Skoda Vision E," said Skoda CEO, Bernhard Maier.


In other words, if this concept is a clear sign of things to come, it seems that Skoda will be looking to stay in touch with the likes of Audi and their Elaine concept, which will land in Frankfurt boasting a couple of similar tech features to the Vision E, though with Level 4 autonomous capabilities rather than Level 3.

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